Displaying items by tag: Holidaze

It is that time of year again to ring in the daze of the Holiday season with some Cirque Du Soleil Holidaze at the Chicago Theatre (175 N. State St), December 14th -16th. Holidaze is a two-hour spectacular, brightly lit and sparkling holiday themed show that encourages audience members and families of all ages to embrace the joy and color of the season, and enthusiastically support these talented acts.  A combination of Broadway and variety show like no other, featuring sensational performers with countless talents, the show has over 300 imaginative costumes and interactive holiday displays. Cirque du Soleil continues to roll in the holiday season with original music celebrating all the holidays of the season, Christmas, Chanukah, and the New Year. This amazing tour will hit 40 cities and have a range of talents from 5 different casts over its holiday run this year.

As any creative Cirque Du Soleil show, the audience is introduced to an international cast of talented performers from as far as Europe, Ethiopia and Mongolia.  Taking place throughout the production is a collection of air defying aerialists (hoop performers, ribbon dancers), twisted contortionists and talented tumblers (managing 20 flips in a row!), daredevil roller skaters, and magical costume changes, as well as balancing and juggling acts.  It was a surprise that with all this amazing variety, the number of open seats in the theater.

The music and sparkly sensation of each holiday representation lifted the spirits of the children munching on popcorn in the audience, and slowly warmed up the adults in the crowd.  Gingerbread men, penguins, jugglers, the performances of the plethora of circus performers had audience members on the edge of their seats with their high-flying acts and risky tricks. You never knew who would be performing or what amazing talent they would be performing next. 

By the time intermission came around, many of the audience were whooping or whistling their appreciation for the talents of these unbelievable performers, whom of which also smiled brighter and embraced the encouragement of the crowd. Neil Goldberg, director of this holiday extravaganza and Florida native, was one of the first to choreograph circus themed, animal free shows. With such finesse, each song and act transition always had something on the stage that grabbed your attention. Whether it was dancing candy canes, elaborately decorated trees and a cast of interesting holiday characters brought such life throughout the show.

Having attended a Holidaze show in Chicago before, I can say that I was still pleasantly surprised by the variety of acts. Along with the rest of the audience, we were thrilled to the edge of our seats by each amazing new talent and singing along with the songs I knew and loved the original renditions of holiday classics.  Cirque Du Soleil will always give you something you never expect, they will thrill you, and guarantee that it will never watch the same Holidaze show twice.  Melt the Chicago cold, warm your hearts and bring in some sparkly holiday spirit.  This is not a show to be missed!

What do you do with your family over the holidays? Stay at home? Eat a meal together? Dress the tree? Give gifts to your work family?  How do you show your loved ones you care for them?

Step Up Productions and its HoliDaze one-acts continues its 3^rd season and supports awareness for Seasonal Affected Disorder (S.A.D.S.) at the Athenaeum Theatre 29366 N Southport Avenue, from November 26^th – December 20^th. These six short one-act plays written by six different playwrights bring awareness for the different kinds of feelings and emotional dynamics within families during the holidays, of what some families are willing to do without, and how much others just wish for things to change.  

Mia McCullough writes ‘Temperance vs. Tolerance’ about Sabrina, a young woman who asks her family to assist her in helping get through the holiday without drinking.  There is more than one change that the family works through to sit at the table for a holiday dinner. Discovering her family’s depth for tolerance is a learning experience for everyone.

‘Christmas Eve’ by M.T. Cozzola, touches on the work family relationship between two new co-workers.  One of which exudes an abundance of holiday spirit and generosity in gift giving. 

The expectations of relationships, to brave the Chicago cold or even family members that may not like you are presented in ‘Your Better Half’ by Jake Carr. The hesitancy to start a family and to share the news is the theme of ‘Someplace Warm’ by Steven Peterson.

‘This is that Moment’ by Joshua Rollins examines the night that a relationship changes, the regrets one has and the question of how you can make a change.

Finally, ‘Later in the Strange’ by Steven Simoncic, tells a story of how one family tries to get through the holidays without the one person who made every holiday so special for them all. 

Each of these stories touches on the dynamics that many families struggle through each year.  From the loss of a family member, to reestablishing relationships and questioning how relationships have changed.  Poignant and aware of the different families and relationships that the world has, HoliDaze has created a group of one-acts that make you enjoy the hope of the holidays and crave the nearness and dearness of your families.    It will make you reach out for those you love and remind them of how truly thankful you are for them.

For more show information visit http://athenaeumtheatre.org/.